2010 Outdoor Living Trends

Spring is here, and although wet weather seems to be lingering in the Northwest, thoughts are still turning to the great outdoors — around the home. However, those thoughts of leaving in-house hibernation behind are edged with economic concerns as homeowners take a less lavish look at how to move indoor living outside.

According to the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), this year, homeowners are focusing on low-maintenance landscaping and low-frills entertaining in place of more expensive endeavors and upgraded technology: “Homeowners want to create a sense of place for their family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy outside, but an uncertain economy means many will dial back some of the extra features we’ve seen in past years,” said Nancy Somerville, executive vice percent and CEO of ASLA.

From January 25 – February 12, 2010, the ASLA surveyed 182 residential landscape architects about the popularity of various design elements for 2010. They found homeowners were avoiding more expensive, elaborate items in favor of more essential ones. As most outdoor living spaces tend to be an extension of the kitchen, the ASLA, not surprisingly, found the most popular outdoor features were a grill (94.4 percent) and counter space (73.5 percent).  Outdoor refrigerators (52.8 percent) and sinks (50 percent) were much less popular. Instead of stereo systems (57.2 percent), wireless/Internet connectivity (44.1 percent), outdoor heaters (43.9 percent) and Televisions (35.5 percent), there was much greater interest in the practical: dining areas (95.6 percent), installed seating like benches and seat walls (90.6 percent), and weatherized outdoor furniture (77.1 percent). However, the fire pit/fireplace (94 percent) and fountain/water feature (87.8 percent) also remained popular.

This year homeowners are also looking to go ‘green’ outside to save time and money on upkeep. Popular landscaping elements include: low-maintenance landscapes (94 percent), drip/water-efficient irrigation (85.2 percent), native/adapted drought-tolerant plants (85.2 percent), a smaller lawn (73.9 percent), and food/vegetable gardens (78.5 percent).

Among the more expensive outdoor architectural features that remain popular were: spas (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, indoor/outdoor saunas) at 79.1 percent, decks (83 percent), porches (76.4 percent) and swimming pools (72.4 percent).

Among the least popular items were sleeping spaces (5.6 percent), geothermal-heated pools (28.2 percent), outdoor cooling systems (36.5 percent), outdoor heaters (43.8 percent), solar-powered lights (49.4 percent), and sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce ball, etc. at 47 percent).

-Originally written by Broderick Perkins, but modified/edited for this blog